18 Italian Sugar Cookies Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
Sugar cookies are a beloved treat that can be found in many cultures and cuisines around the world. From simple buttery shortbread cookies to intricately decorated holiday favorites, there is no shortage of delicious and satisfying sugar cookie recipes to choose from. However, if you're looking for a classic Italian twist on this beloved treat, you've come to the right place. This professional and well-organized introduction article will guide you through the steps to make the perfect Italian sugar cookies that will have your taste buds singing with joy.
These Italian sugar cookies are a classic treat that will transport you to the streets of Italy with each bite. Made with simple ingredients and a touch of love, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
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Italian Cookies AKA Italian Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla, Ricotta Cheese
Known by many names, these Italian cookies are often referred to as "biscotti di natale" or "biscotti di nonna" which translates to "grandma's cookies." No matter what you call them, one thing is for sure - they are delicious!
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Tender Italian Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients: Shortening, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, All Purpose
These cookies are soft and tender, unlike traditional crunchy biscotti. They are perfect for dipping in coffee or milk, making them a great snack for any time of day.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
For a unique twist on the classic Italian sugar cookie, add almond paste to the dough. The result is a rich and nutty flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Similar to the almond paste cookies, these Italian almond cookies use almond flour for a gluten-free option. They are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making them irresistible.
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Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Granulated Sugar, Butter, Coconut Oil
Simple and classic, these sugar cookies are a staple in many households. They are easy to make and can be decorated in endless ways for any holiday or special occasion.
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Chewy Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt
For those who prefer a softer texture, these chewy sugar cookies are the perfect option. They are made with a mix of white and brown sugar, giving them a subtle caramel flavor.
While not technically a cookie, these authentic Italian meatballs are a must-have for any Italian feast. Made with a blend of beef, pork, and seasonings, they are sure to become a family favorite.
These light and fluffy cookies are made with ricotta cheese, giving them a unique texture and flavor. They are often topped with a lemon glaze for a burst of citrus.
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Perfect Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients: Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Butter
For a foolproof recipe, look no further than these perfect sugar cookies. They have a crispy edge and a soft center, making them a crowd-pleaser.
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Cutout Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Large Egg, Vanilla Extract
Get creative with these cutout sugar cookies. Use different cookie cutters to make them into festive shapes and decorate them with colored frosting for a fun and delicious treat.
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Lemon Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Egg, Flour, Baking Powder
Add a touch of tangy lemon to your sugar cookies for a refreshing twist. These cookies are perfect for summer picnics or as a light dessert option.
Also known as "wedding knots" or "anginetti," these cookies are often served at Italian weddings. They are coated in a sweet glaze and topped with colorful sprinkles, making them a beautiful addition to any dessert table.
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Soft Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Egg, Milk, Vanilla Extract
If you prefer a softer texture, these soft sugar cookies are the way to go. They are similar to snickerdoodles, with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.
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Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Italian Dressing, Genoa Salami
For a savory twist, try this pasta salad with Italian dressing. It's a refreshing and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any Italian meal.
Pignoli cookies are a traditional Italian treat made with almond paste and pine nuts. They are slightly crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, creating a unique and delicious texture.
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Italian Almond-Orange Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Granulated Sugar, Orange, Honey, Almond
Add a burst of citrus to your cookies with these Italian almond-orange cookies. They are made with almond flour and fresh orange zest, creating a bright and flavorful treat.
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My Favorite Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract
Everyone has their own favorite sugar cookie recipe, and this one might just become yours. These cookies are soft and buttery, with a hint of almond extract for extra flavor.
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Befanini – Italian Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients: Sugar Cookies, Anise Seed, Orange Peel, Egg Yolk, Heavy
Befanini cookies are a traditional Italian treat often served on the Feast of the Epiphany. They are typically flavored with anise and can be decorated with colorful sprinkles or almonds.
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Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract
These fig-filled cookies are a staple during the Christmas season in Italy. They are often shaped into a crescent and coated in powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Ingredients You'll Need
Flour
Flour is the foundation of any good sugar cookie recipe. For Italian sugar cookies, it's important to use a high-quality all-purpose flour to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. You can also use a combination of all-purpose and pastry flour for a slightly lighter cookie.
Sugar
As the name suggests, sugar is a key ingredient in these cookies. For the best results, use a fine-grain sugar like granulated or caster sugar. This will ensure that the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving the cookies a consistent sweetness.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binding agent in this recipe, helping to hold the dough together and give the cookies their classic shape. Be sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results.
Butter
What's a sugar cookie without butter? It's important to use unsalted, room temperature butter for this recipe. This will give the cookies a rich and buttery flavor without being too salty.
Vanilla Extract
For that quintessential Italian flavor, vanilla extract is a must. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Baking Powder
To achieve the perfect texture in these cookies, baking powder is essential. It helps the cookies rise and gives them a slightly fluffy texture.
Salt
A pinch of salt is important to balance out the sweetness of the cookies and enhance the other flavors. Use a fine-grain sea salt for the best results.
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. Divide the dough into two equal parts and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough portions to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Repeat with the remaining dough.
12. Once cooled, decorate your Italian sugar cookies with your favorite toppings such as sprinkles, frosting, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts
Italian sugar cookies are a simple yet delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making them for a holiday gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So go ahead and give it a try, and impress your friends and family with your newfound Italian sugar cookie baking skills.
![[Homemade] Italian Pignoli cookies : r/food](https://i.redd.it/rn4fj192ap821.jpg)
